Corporate Move

[rickps]

This morning's pile of work Emails included a surprise announcement that the long standing Houston office (formerly the company's home office pre-decentralization a couple of years ago) would be relocated to Chicago and Indianapolis.  The stated reason for the move is to have a central location for the executive officers of the various corporate divisions in Chicago and to site my division's administrative minions in the lower cost of living Indy location (which is also home to one of the company's major contracts).  I gather that nearly everyone in the Houston office was caught off guard by this pronouncement.

While this change won't impact me much at all, I can't help wondering how earthquake shattered the Houstonites must feel right now.  Many, the announcement stated, will be offered a relocation package.  Others, who are slated for layoff, will be given a severance package and assistance in locating new employment.  I don't believe that this is a nefarious plot to reduce staff and cut costs.  It's just a corporate realignment.

But how would you feel if your employer pulled the rug out from under you?  Although I've relocated many times for work related reasons, they've always been moves I've chosen.  Would I be willing to leave a life in Houston (which I consider a sweaty armpit of a city) and shift me and mine to a place on a map I probably never have been?  Is a job all that important? 

It's got me thinking what would happen if this shoe were on my foot instead...

Comments

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

I was there early in my career, but probably not to the degree the Houstonians are.

I worked as assistant controller for a growing warehouse grocery store. The original owner sold the company to Furr's Supermarkets, which at that time had its central offices in Lubbock Tx (and was owned by a German conglomerate of all things!).

I opted NOT to take a relocation package to move to Lubbock!

(patting self on back).